As a woman embarking on your climbing journey, finding the best climbing shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and enjoyment of the sport. The right pair of climbing shoes for women can make a significant difference in your technique, confidence, and overall experience, whether you’re tackling indoor gym walls or exploring outdoor rock faces.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review seven of the best climbing shoes for women available on the market. We’ll dive into the key features, pros and cons, and ideal user profiles for each shoe, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
From beginner-friendly options prioritizing comfort and versatility to high-performance shoes designed for advanced climbers, our selection covers a wide range of styles and price points. Whether you’re a novice climber looking for your first pair of shoes or an experienced climber seeking an upgrade, you’ll find valuable insights and recommendations to guide your choice.
1. SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes: Best for Gym Climbing
The SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are designed to prioritize comfort while still providing the necessary grip and support for developing a solid foundation of climbing techniques. With a flat-last and slight asymmetry, these shoes cater to climbers who value comfort without compromising performance.
Key Features
- Women’s Last: The climbing shoes feature a more narrow last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit.
- Vision Rubber: The thick, highly durable rubber outsole allows room for learning the nuances of proper footwork.
- Pressure Absorbing Fit: A unique heel system spreads the force of the heel tension, reducing pressure on the Achilles heel while maintaining active forward pressure.
- Sizing: Available in sizes 5 to 10.
- Materials: Vision (5mm) sole, rubber outer material, and hook and loop closure.
Pros
- Comfortable fit, accommodating wider feet.
- Ideal for beginners, especially those climbing in a gym setting.
- Grip well and feel like a glove on the foot.
- Suitable for climbers who prioritize comfort over extremely tight-fitting shoes.
Cons
- May stretch a bit after one use, requiring careful consideration when selecting size.
- Fit may vary depending on individual foot shape.
Price
$118.95
The SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes offer a balance of comfort and performance, making them an attractive choice for beginner climbers. While some users may experience minor issues with stretching or fit, these shoes are a reliable option for those just starting their climbing journey.
2. BLACK DIAMOND Women’s Momentum Climbing Shoes: Best for Comfort
The BLACK DIAMOND Women’s Momentum Climbing Shoes are designed to provide a comfortable and supportive fit for vertical climbing or all-day wear. With a neutral, flat last and a women’s specific design, these shoes aim to deliver a customized fit for female climbers.
Key Features
- Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
- Updated midsole for improved edging ability
- Women’s specific last for a customized fit
- Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
- 3mm rubber, built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance
- Soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort
Pros
- Comfortable fit, suitable for long climbing sessions
- Supportive design, ideal for beginner to intermediate indoor rock climbing
- Attractive appearance
- Women’s specific last provides a tailored fit
Cons
- Mixed opinions on fit, with some customers experiencing issues
Price
$99.95
The BLACK DIAMOND Women’s Momentum Climbing Shoes offer a combination of comfort, support, and style that appeals to many female climbers. While there are mixed opinions on fit and quality, the majority of customers appreciate the shoes’ performance and comfort for indoor climbing sessions. The women’s specific last and adjustable Velcro straps make these climbing shoes for women an attractive option.
3. La Sportiva Women’s Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes: Best for Versatility
The La Sportiva Women’s Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are designed as a versatile, all-purpose climbing shoe that offers comfort and performance for both outdoor climbing and gym sessions. With a focus on breathability, durability, and a secure fit, these shoes aim to cater to a wide range of climbers.
Key Features
- User profile: Ideal for climbers seeking a single pair of shoes for various climbing styles and settings.
- Breathable & Durable: All-leather upper is breathable, durable, and stretches to conform to foot shape. Padded internal tongue with cotton lining protects the top of the foot.
- Fit & Sizing: Runs BIG. Designed with a rounded forefoot and higher volume to comfortably fit more climbers. (See pros and cons for specific sizing recommendations.)
- Secure & comfortable fit: Updated heel cup for a secure and snug fit. Quick-pull lacing allows for precise fit along the length of the foot. Two heel pull-tabs and one tongue tab assist in easy on/off.
- Great Grip: Aggressive rubber heel rand and sticky FriXion RS rubber provide grip and durability. Ultra-thin LaSpoflex midsole offers maximum torsional rigidity.
- Closure: Lace-up
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive fit, particularly for those who cannot tolerate tight shoes.
- Extra room in the toe box width, accommodating various foot shapes.
- Lace-up closure allows for a customizable fit.
- Suitable for both gym climbing and outdoor rock climbing.
- Ideal for beginners and those on a budget.
Cons
- Sizing can be challenging; the shoes run large, and customers should carefully consider the sizing recommendations.
- Possible durability issues, with the sole separating from the shoe prematurely.
Price
- $88.95
The La Sportiva Women’s Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes offer a balance of comfort, performance, and affordability that appeals to a broad range of climbers. While there are some concerns regarding sizing and durability, many appreciate the shoes’ comfort and versatility, making them a popular choice for those just starting their climbing journey or seeking a budget-friendly option.
4. EVOLV Elektra Climbing Shoes: Best for Vegans
The EVOLV Elektra Climbing Shoes are designed to provide a comfortable and high-performance climbing experience for climbers with narrower and lower volume feet. These vegan-friendly shoes aim to deliver a precise fit and excellent sensitivity for various climbing styles.
Key Features
- Designed for narrower and lower volume feet
- Closure: Straps with hook and loop closure
- Midsole: MX-P: 1.4mm SENSITIVE FULL-LENGTH
- Outsole: 4.2mm TRAX SAS
- Profile: LV ASYMMETRIC
- Rand: VTR (THICKER FRONT TOE AREA)
- Liner: NYLON MESH
- Upper: SYNTHETIC (SYNTHRATEK VX)
- Vegan Friendly
- Available in sizes 4-11
Pros
- High-quality construction, with customers praising the gorgeous craftsmanship
- Durable design, holding up well over time
- Comfortable fit for climbers with narrower and lower volume feet
- Vegan-friendly materials
Cons
- The shoes are on the small side so climbers may want to size up
Price
- $109
The EVOLV Elektra Climbing Shoes for women offer a combination of comfort, performance, and durability that appeals to many climbers with specific foot shapes. While fit can be a concern for some, the majority of customers appreciate the shoes’ craftsmanship and performance. The vegan-friendly materials make these shoes an attractive option for environmentally-conscious climbers.
5. SCARPA Women’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes: Best for Crack Climbing
The SCARPA Women’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes are a classic, award-winning design that caters to a wide range of climbers, from beginners to guides. With a focus on comfort and all-day wearability, these shoes are designed to match the natural shape of the foot, making them perfect for slab and crack climbing.
Key Features
- Classic lace-up design, favored by climbing guides, beginners, and those seeking all-day comfort
- Women’s Last: Narrower last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit
- Vibram XS Edge Rubber: Stiff, consistent, and durable, ideal for learning foot placement nuances
- Symmetrical Profile: Nearly symmetrical construction, perfect for slab and crack climbing
- Passive Rand: Tensioned for comfort and all-day wear without foot fatigue
- Material: Suede
- Available in sizes 4-10
- Two color options: mandarin red and pewter/plum
Pros
- True to size, allowing for a customizable fit based on personal preference
- Sturdy, comfortable material
- Excellent grip and stickiness
- Lace closure accommodates stretching over time, maintaining a tight fit
- Popular among climbing gym teams and as a go-to indoor shoe
Cons
- Some customers found the sizing to run small, requiring them to size up for a comfortable fit
- May not be suitable for advanced climbers who prefer a tighter fit
Price
- $129
The SCARPA Women’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes offer a combination of comfort, performance, and versatility that appeals to a broad range of climbers. While sizing may require some trial and error, many customers appreciate the shoes’ durability, grip, and comfort. The lace closure system and women’s-specific last make these shoes an attractive option for those seeking a customizable and secure fit.
6. Crush Lace NLV-Purple-Women’s Rock Climbing/Bouldering Shoe: Best for Price
The Crush Lace NLV-Purple-Women’s Rock Climbing/Bouldering Shoe is a high-performance, multi-purpose climbing shoe designed to offer great comfort and value. With a focus on adjustability and foot protection, these shoes aim to cater to climbers of various skill levels, particularly beginners.
Key Features
- High-quality features found in all CLIMBX rock climbing shoe models
- Lace Design: Allows comprehensive adjustment for a perfect fit and comfortable foot wrapping
- Upper: Made with high-quality leather, offering stretch and breathability
- Smooth Shoe Last: Great for long-period wear
- Front upper side Edge Protection: Prevents foot rolling, increases precision, minimizes shoe distortion, and extends usage life span
Pros
- Snug, comfortable fit
- Affordable price point
- Great quality for the price
- Ideal for beginners
- Adjustable lace design allows for a personalized fit
Cons
- Some customers reported that the color comes off on their feet
Price
$55.95
The Crush Lace NLV-Purple-Women’s Rock Climbing/Bouldering Shoe offers a balance of performance, comfort, and value that appeals to entry-level climbers. While there is a concern about color transfer, many customers appreciate the shoes’ snug fit, adjustability, and overall quality. The affordable price point makes these shoes an attractive option for those new to the sport or on a budget.
7. La Sportiva Women’s Tarantula All-Around Rock Climbing Shoe: Best for Beginners
The La Sportiva Women’s Tarantula All-Around Rock Climbing Shoe is designed for climbers who are new to the sport and seeking a comfortable, versatile shoe with the convenience and adjustability of a hook and loop closure system. These climbing shoes for women aim to provide a secure, precise fit while offering excellent grip and durability.
Key Features
- User profile: Ideal for beginner climbers seeking all-day comfort and versatility
- Breathable & Durable: All-leather upper with a stretch insert that conforms to foot shape
- Secure & comfortable fit: Updated heel cup for a snug fit, highly adjustable 2-strap hook and loop closure system, and pull-tabs for easy on/off
- Great Grip: Aggressive rubber heel rand and sticky FriXion RS rubber for grip and durability, ultra-thin LaSpoflex midsole for torsional rigidity
- Fit Tip: Rounded forefoot and higher volume to comfortably fit more climbers; reference the La Sportiva size chart for accurate sizing
- Available in sizes 2.5 to 12.5
Pros
- Comfortable fit for beginners, suitable for all-day wear
- Stretch and conform to the foot, providing a precise fit
- Highly adjustable closure system accommodates various foot shapes and sizes
- Excellent grip and durability
- Suitable for a range of climbing styles and abilities
Cons
- Some users reported that the inside of the shoe peels off and sticks to their feet, though this doesn’t seem to affect performance
- The higher heel cup may cause initial discomfort or blistering for some climbers
- Sizing can be challenging; some customers recommend sizing down for a snugger fit
Price
$98.95
The La Sportiva Women’s Tarantula All-Around Rock Climbing Shoe offers a balance of comfort, performance, and convenience that appeals to entry-level climbers. While there may be some concerns regarding sizing and initial comfort, many customers appreciate the shoes’ adjustability, grip, and durability. The versatile design makes these climbing shoes for women an attractive option, especially for those just starting their climbing journey and seeking a reliable, all-around shoe.
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